Tuesday 10 May 2011

Kapaleeswarar Temple


Visiting to temples can serve many purposes. It just depends on your preference. Like if you are curious to know about the ancient culture of Hindus you can visit temples. If you are give some spiritual touch to your tour then you can also visit the temple. Also if you want to understand ancient India with all its political, cultural principles then also you can tour to the temples. So if any of these topics are your interest then in your Chennai temple tour list you can add a visit to the Kapaleeswarar temple in Chennai.

Kapaleeswarar temple was built in the 7th century by the Pallava Nayanmars. Nayanmars are said to be the devotees of Lord Shiva who worship him by singing hymns in the temple. They are more powerful such that whatever they desire, that will be fulfilled easily. The Kapaleeswarar temple is built in such a way that it is made very attractive for the people who visit the temple. Kapaleeswarar temple is the biggest temple in the Chennai. It was built in such a way that it becomes one of the biggest attractions for the devotees. The view of the temple from outside will be very excellent to see. There is also a Pond in the temple which is known as the Kolam or Theertham which is useful for sacred activities. Some people also consider taking bath in that Kolam or Theertham as a sacred thing.
Every single temple in India has its own significance. Similarly Kapaleeswarar temple also has its own importance and significance. It is necessary that people should know more about the Kapaleeswarar temple before visiting the temple. To tell in general there are now people from all over the world who come to Chennai to visit the Kapaleeswarar temple to get glory for their life. Kapaleeswarar temple is the most powerful temple and whatever thing that is demanded from the lord Shiva is fulfilled easily. It will be more beautiful to visit the temple because the construction part is made more attractive. When there is a function time then the temple will be fully filled with the devotees.


Actually in the puranas it is said that the Lord Shiva and Brahma made their conversation in the Mount Kailash about the discussion on creation of three lokam. But when Lord Brahma dint agree for that, Lord Shiva cut and threw his head off the ground. Now the intention of Lord Brahma is to convince Lord Shiva and ask apology for his mistake. For this reason he came to Maylai and created a Lingam for Lord Shiva and started making the necessary rituals and pooja to cool Lord Shiva. It is said that after these efforts of Lord Brahma finally Lord Shiva was convinced and Lord Brahma was given apology.


In the old puranas it is said that the Lord Shiva was discussing to the Lord Brahma, the Lord of creation about the creation of the three Lokas but the fact is that the Lord Brahma refused to accept and agree what Lord Shiva said. Ultimately Lord Shiva got angry and he plucked our one head from four of his heads. After this incident Lord Brahma went to Lord Shiva and asked for forgiveness by begging to him. Then he requested the Lord Shiva to stand in the Mayilai in the name of Kapaleeswarar just because he was wearing a necklace made of skulls. Here a skull stands for the Kapala. This is the reason why this particular name comes for the Lord Shiva.

The Kapleeswarar temple is situated in Kutchery Road, Mylapore. Mylapore is located in the city of Madras. So you can tour to this temple either by auto rickshaw or 'call taxis' or the deluxe cabs. If you are hiring auto rickshaw, which is the cheapest mode of transport, you need to negotiate the fare carefully. The standard charge for auto rickshaws is Rs.8 for every kilometer you travel. The call taxis charge higher but they are very prompt service and they will pick you up from your doorstep. You can also tour by deluxe cabs. If you prefer you can drive the deluxe cabs yourself.



There are many bus facility available from all the parts of the Chennai to the Mylapore. It is necessary that we should catch the local city bus from Tambaram or Koyambedu to reach the Kapaleeswarar temple if we are from any other part of the Tamil Nadu. Even the trains are also available for reaching Mylapore. There are also bus available that will reach the most nearest spot of the Kapaleeswarar temple. There will always be a big crowd of the devotees in the Kapaleeswarar temple always waiting to get the glory for the Kapaleeswarar.